CELTICS NOTEBOOK: Win over 76ers started Celtics on the right path

The Celtics, who host the Sixers Thursday night, were 0-2 when they went into Philadelphia and began a 16-game winning streak on Oct. 20.

Jim Fenton The Enterprise @JFenton_ent

WALTHAM – The last time they played the Philadelphia 76ers, the Celtics were in danger of losing a third straight game to open the season.

Following back-to-back defeats at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers (when Gordon Hayward exited with a season-ending injury) and the Milwaukee Bucks, the Celtics went to Philadelphia on Oct. 20 and needed a second-half comeback to pull out their first win.

“We needed it because it was a tough week in a lot of ways, despite the fact that we played pretty well against Cleveland and Milwaukee,’’ said coach Brad Stevens following practice Wednesday afternoon.

“We played better in the two games before that, but we lost. We weren’t as good against Philly for large moments of that game. We were good enough to win, but barely.’’

Thursday night, the Celtics and 76ers match up again, this time at the TD Garden (7:35 p.m., TV: NBC Sports Boston; radio: WBZ-FM/98.5).

The Sixers are expected to rest Joel Embiid against the Celtics after he played Wednesday night.

The victory in Philly began the Celtics’ 16-game winning streak that was snapped last week in Miami.

“We had a halftime talk,’’ recalled Kyrie Irving of what happened against the 76ers. “It was one of those games where it showed some character for all of us. Collectively as a group, we stayed together, we stayed the course and we came out with a win.

“I guess you could say we learned a little bit about ourselves and we made some steps in the right direction in game three of the season.’’

The Sixers made mistakes in the second half that helped the Celtics get into the win column that night.

“I think they gave us that game, to be honest,’’ said Jaylen Brown. “We played really poorly in that game and still ended up winning and that led to our streak. I think Philly remembers that. I think they know they can beat us so we’ve got to show them we’re the No. 1 team for a reason.’’

On the rise: The 76ers (11-8 prior to Wednesday’s game) have shown improvement this season.

The Sixers played for draft position in recent years and selected Embiid in 2014 and Jahlil Okafor in 2015 at No. 3 and Ben Simmons in 2016 and Markelle Fultz this year at No. 1.

After playing for lottery position the past few seasons, things are beginning to pay off for the 76ers.

“I think it worked out pretty good. It worked out real well,’’ said Al Horford. “That’s not the way you want to do it, but it worked out great. The future’s very bright for them.’’

Said Irving: “I don’t know if it’s the conventional way, the way things have been done through NBA history, but it’s working for them. They’ve had some high talent come in. They’ve drafted well. It’s a great group of young guys trying to develop. They continue to get better.’’

Home cooking: After playing 12 road games in just over five weeks, the Celtics are on a season-long, five-game homestand.

“There’s nothing like sleeping in your own bed and I actually just got a new bed,’’ said Brown following a rare practice. “It’ll be good to be home for a little bit.’’